"Orthopaedic consultation"

I attended the orthopaedic clinic recently in March 2014 and was seen by a senior clinical fellow. I felt that the consultation was rushed and very little explanation was provided about my x-Ray results and the MRI scan report that I had provided. He did not seem to take any consideration of my personal circumstances and I felt that he did not take into consideration the MRI scan and decision was made solely on the x-Ray which is less revealing than the MRI scan. I felt that the decision for my treatment was already made before my actual consultation. After speaking to my gp and physio, I felt that there is a conflicting opinion between the consultant and the scan report. The treatment plan that he had suggested felt like it was the only option and that I would have to suffer more pain to get my hip deteriorated further before he would consider a hip replacement which I was not even considering. This felt like a decision had been made before even speaking to me. The clinical examination that the consultant conducted on my mobility felt not very thorough, the examination did not reflect the actual pain or feeling that I was experiencing. I was fully clothed with my jeans on which restricted my full range of movement for a proper examination (in my opinion) Whilst I remember signing a form, I was not given a copy of the form and very little information was given to me about the treatment plan. There was no leaflet provided about the treatment that I was to receive. I am unsure if that was a consent form I had signed or just a form which I had to take to pre-op assessment. The letter that I received from the consultant seemed to be framed in a more positive way than my experience at that time. I felt that at the end of my consultation he was keen to end the session. I do appreciate that there is a predetermined time allocation, however it did feel rushed and with unsatisfactory explanation provided. He did not asked me if I had any further questions. It is a shame as the rest of the staff; receptionist and nurses were very helpful, my session with the senior clinical fellow had tarnished my experience as a whole. I have asked for a second opinion and to be referred to another hospital which I believe I would have a much better patient experience.

Responses

We're really sorry that your experience of the outpatient consultation at the Lister was not a good one. We would welcome being given an opportunity to follow this matter up for you if you are willing to give us that chance - this doesn't affect your decision to seek a second opinion by the way. If you would like us to investigate your concerns, then please contact us at generalenquiries.enh-tr@nhs.net.